Tractor Supply, FFA looking for FFA projects to fund

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SIDNEY – OHIO FFA chapters in search of funding for their next animal science lab, community garden or other noteworthy agricultural project, take note.

Tractor Supply Company stores in Ohio has launched its third annual Grants for Growing campaign—a competitive grant program designed to support local FFA chapters in Ohio that want to make a difference in their communities through sustainable agriculture-focused projects.

To qualify for a grant, FFA advisers should visit www.FFA.org/grantsforgrowing and submit an application by Wednesday, Feb. 14. The submission process requires entrants to provide a detailed proposal, including how they will start, maintain or expand on a project that will benefit their communities.

Grants, which are awarded to chapters in the spring, have a value between $500 and $5,000.

Since 2016, Grants for Growing has raised more than $1.4 million for the National FFA Organization, including a record setting $731,000 in 2017. In total, the initiative has funded 692 grants supporting projects involving 69,134 students.

Notable 2017 grant recipients include a hydroponic vegetable garden from the Hart County FFA and the King City FFA chapter’s Agriculture Day, where sixth graders were given the opportunity to learn more about technology in agriculture.

“FFA is well known for its civic-centered initiatives, and Grants for Growing is Tractor Supply’s way of supporting the students who are striving to make their communities better, more sustainable places,” said Jessica Holmes, marketing manager at Tractor Supply Company. “Whether it’s a project focused around greenhouse development, public landscaping or livestock, by applying for a grant FFA advisors help increase their students’ ability to make long-term community impacts.”

To support the program, Tractor Supply will host a 10-day in-store fundraising period Feb. 16-25, which will give customers the opportunity to donate at checkout. All in-store donations will remain within the state they are donated.

For more details about the program, visit www.FFA.org/grantsforgrowing.

Founded in 1938, Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO) is the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States. Tractor Supply stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers and others who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located primarily in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: (1) equine, livestock, pet and small animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2) hardware, truck, towing and tool products; (3) seasonal products, including heating, lawn and garden items, power equipment, gifts and toys; (4) work/recreational clothing and footwear; and (5) maintenance products for agricultural and rural use. At December 30, 2017, the Company operated 1,685 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.tractorsupply.com.

The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 653,359 student members as part of 8,568 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is supported by 344,239 alumni members in 2,051 local FFA Alumni chapters throughout the U.S. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.

The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.

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